I just got back from the doctor. A few months ago they put me on propranolol which wasn't helping, I didn't go back since then because I just didn't feel like dealing with another drug. Well the past 2 weeks I have had 4 migraines, missed a day of work and left on two other days. So finally I said okay I will go to the doctor. He prescribed me Topomax and Imitrex (which I see is popular among the boards) sorry I didn't have time to read all the posts about them but I just want to know if there are any bad side effects. The doctor told me that with the Imitrex "flushing" is the most common for the first time you take it but it goes away. He said with Topomax you have to drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones and also that it might make your forgetful. I just want to hear all the pros and cons from some of the you that are on it now or have been on it? How has it helped you or not helped you? I'm just trying to live a normal life, (not lose my job because of migraines) and just be happier.

Thanks all, I really appreciate the feedback! :wave:

Well it looks like I won't be taking the Topomax...
When I went to the pharmacy to pick up my meds they said the Topomax was $50.00 :eek: (thats with insurance) and that it may lessen the effect of my birth control pills!! So now I have to call the dr tomorrow to see if there is anything else he can prescribe me to PREVENT migraines.

I'm hoping I will get some responses to this post....so if anyone reads this what are some alternatives to Topomax that are not so expensive? I definately need a migraine preventative drug.

Thanks again! Please respond!

so if anyone reads this what are some alternatives to Topomax that are not so expensive?
Ask your doctor.

As for the expense of medications, always ask the doctor for samples. They will gladly "hook you up". :D
sorry I didn't have time to read all the posts about them but I just want to know if there are any bad side effects.
:nono:
Strongly suggest that you do. Valuable information. The search will take less time than writing a post. Use Topamax as the keyword.
[Removed]Most of all, if you do end up taking Topamax, you need to have a long talk w/your doctor about the "side effects" especially since you are working. Most if not all may affect your job peformance.

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The whole reason I posted is to hear from people who are on Imitrex and Topomax now and how its working for them. As for the Topomax, I don't think I will be on it anyway because of the cost and the fact that it will decrease the effectiveness of my birth control pills. So actually I am just wondering about those folks on Imitrex

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There was a warning on the local news in my area today on triptans drugs which you as well as other Imitrex users may find interesting. :eek:

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What was it?

What was it?
The mods removed the link.

People taking migraine medications-Triptans & antidepressants are at risk of a life-threatening condition called Serotonin syndrome.

Hi,

i just saw you post.. I have had tension heaadaches for 10 years. I recently tried getting 2 shots when things got bad.. one of imitrex and one of tordahl. That does it. The imitrex burns when you get it and makes you alittle nauseous but it does the trick.

With imitrex it works well but it is best that I am able to lie down and rest. About 15 minutes after I pop that pill I get very jittery and I cannot concentrate...not like I cannot concentrate on work...but I cannot look at any one thing for too long without getting sick. It feels like I ran a marathon after about 20 minutes after I take it till about 40 minutes after. Its really weird. I take amitryptiline for preventative.

Just quit taking Topomax after only 36 days. Made my headaches worse and made me very stupid thus it's nickname Stupamax or Dopamax!
Imitrex works great for me!

Read this link about Topamax and be glad that you can't afford it. There are several other option out there.

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Ask your Dr. if you can try a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker.

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Thanks everyone for the feedback, I definately appreciate it.

Here is an update on my situation:

I am still taking the Imitrex. I have had 3 migraine attacks since its been prescribed and each time I took the Imitrex (in the aura stage) it work wonderfully, took the migraine away. I was scared of the side effects that I read about on the interenet and heard from a friend but I was fine. I did feel a little tired so it worked well when I laid down. I am so happy the doctor prescribed this for me.

I never did get the Topamax. As I mentioned it was $50 (co-pay). And then they said it would cause by bc pills to be less effective. And after all the side effects I read about, no thanks, I'm already forgetful enough so as it is.

I have decided to stop the birth control pills as I know that is what is making the migraines worse and more frequent. I am not going to put a fake hormone in my body ever day just so I can lay in bed in pain, no thanks. The only problem is now I have to find another means of birth control. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. I am scared to try anything else. The OB wants to put me on the Depo shot.

Well thanks again for the help.

dont go on topomax, Its know to take memory away and i had where i was repeating things like two min later and not knowing i had already said whatever I was saying. It did a real number. Imitrex may help I had it years ago. Im going thru a prob now with a headache for five weeks and getting every test, its really hard. I wish you good luck. Botox helped me a bit for preventative.

Hubby has had HA for 25+ years. He has been to so many Drs. From Mds to neurologists. He has had all the combination drugs, imitrex and that line of meds. and nothing seems to help. Meds work different on him. What puts most to sleep keeps him awake and so on. The topamax didn't set well at all. The first time he took it he got up to 200mg. Then he couldn't stand the side affects so quit. A year or so later tried it again but don't think he got past 50. He called it dope-amax. He has had all the MRI's CT's and just a couple months ago they discovered he had five bulging discs in his neck and two are pressing agianst his spine. Scheduled to go to a neurosurgeon the 23rd. We are hoping and praying this is the answer to the horrible headaches. He had one in July that lasted over two weeks and he felt fair for the last week and a half of July and now has one since Wed. He took four imitrex nasal sprays this week and they haven't touched it. So, he has been in bed almost the whole time. I wish I could fix it as it isn't fun for the spouse either. Any new ideas out there????? Hopeful!!!! I may have this in the wrong place but hope it works for you.

I'm on Topamax and it's been a wonder drug for me. The only thing that's worked, actually. As long as you keep up with water and get plenty of rest, your side effects are minimal and well-controlled. But, at $50 co-pay I don't blame you for saying no. What it comes down to, in the end, is how much will you pay to be pain free?

Onto the Depo Shot... DON'T DO IT!!! :eek: OK. I get migraines with auras as well. My OB, knowing I shouldn't be placed on ANY birthcontrol with estrogen in it, decided to put me on Depo because it was Pogesterone only. Guess what? It still has a tiny amount of estrogen in it and it is enough to give you headaches and migraines, just read the nice little package insert! I suffered through 3 months and wouldn't let him stick me again. I've heard of some people being fine and others not. The problem with the shot is trying it means committing to 3 months of the hormone in your system. You can't remove it or simply stop taking a pill. In my case, the doc said condoms or tubal ligation (I don't want anymore kids).

Best of luck finding migraine relief and birth control.